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ASSASSINATION 

OF 

FRANCISCO MADERO 

A 

TRAGEDY IN FOUR ACTS 

BY 

JOSE A. MORALES 



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OCT 29 ':^3 




JOSE. A. MORALES, 
B. S., LL. B. 



P5 35^5 



DR. JOSEPH J. LAFONT 

To you, fair minded loyal friend, I dedicate 
this "work as a happy reminder of the glorious forty- 
eight hours we spent together at Hotel Du Meridith, 
as guests of the late John B. Fisher. 

SEPTEMBER 30, 1922. 

JOSE A, MORALES, 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 



FRANCISCO MADERO Preudeni 

PINO SUAEEZ Vice-President 

MADAME MADERO Wife of the President 

FELIX DIAZ A General in Revolt 

BERNARDO REYES 

VICTORIANO HUERTA 

GENERAL MONDRAGON Y^^'^'P'^'^io^^ 

COLONEL RIVEROL 

DOLORES, A Society) Lad}) 

GLORIA, Niece of Madame Madero 

TISOLlTO.Secre/ari? to Madero 

GARMENDIA. High Officer under Madero 

GAMBOA, High Secretary} under Huerta 

DON MONCHO, Chief of Police 

GENERAL RABAGO, In Command of the Federal Troops 

GENERAL CARRANZA.C.^ie/ of the Constitutionalists 

JOHN LIND.t/. 5. Ambassador 

FEDERAL SOLDIERS 

OFFICERS 

REBELS 

NOTE: This scene takes place in Mexico City in 1912 to 1913. 



FRANCISCO MADERO 

Act I. Scene I. A Boulevard. 

Enter Gloria, Tisolito 

The feast of the flowers^ where people celebrate by throwing 
flowers at each other. Ladies carry large bouquets, and vehicles 
ride upon the streets adorned with flowers. A piebald-pageant 
files down Main street, while people watph from galleries and 
balconies land from the street below, applauding as it passes. 
The first float represents a Peacock made out of gaudy strings 
of flowers, the second represents the entry of Madero into 
Mexico City, this one is greatly applauded. 

Clor. (To Tisolito) With a bluet and these carnations I 
meet you on this occasion. 

Tis. And with this Marguerete I greet you. 
Clor. Ah but with the rose in red I speak to you. 
Tis. And with the one in pink I answer. 
Clor. Do you love me so? 

Tis. Do I? Ask the angels if they love their heavenly home; 
ask the fishes if they love their deep azure, in their answer 
you will know how much I love you. 
Clor. And if they answer me not? 
Tis. Still my thoughts will say it. slowly, I love thee. 
Ctor. 1 hen have some poppies. 
Tis. And I return your rose. 

Clor. Here is a jasmine, that you may think of me after this. 
Tis. And in return I hand you a "forget-me-not". 
Clor. Do we really understand the language of the flowers? 
Tis. If we don't, our eyes understand each other, for in them 

we read the dawning of our future paradise of love. 
Clor. I love flowers with all my heart. 
Tis. And I love you to the very depth of my soul. 
Clor. You do? 

Tis. Yes, you see. as the law of gravity explains the movementi 
of heavenly bodies, flowers explain the attraction between' 
two lovers. 
Clor. Do you think it is electricity what explains that attraction, 
or is it the fragrance of the flowers that maintains it? 



It is all fancy. The Greeks generally hit off in a beau- 
tiful way that love which we express in the ugluiest and 
most labored manner. 

But the Greeks knew there was nothing after death; they 
concentrated on the art of love and mastered it better 
than any other race before or since. 

To them there wasn't anything half so interesting as a 
woman in love and what she would do to make the one 
she loved happy. 
It is all a passing fancy. 

This morning when I looked at the aurora gradually dis- 
appearing before the threatening rays of the sun, I won- 
dered what it reminded me of. It was your pretty eyes. 
It is great. You certainly must be in love. 

I love you. We ought to be united and live happy ever 
after. 
But mother will not let me marry so soon. 

Dearest, we love each other — don't we? 
We do, but it can't be, mother must be considered. 

I will persuade her; I will tell her we are to each other 
what the reflection of the bright moon is to the little lake. 
You are not afraid to ask her? 

No, I will ask her at the national ball to night. I will 
see you there (Exeunt) 

Scene II. A street 
Enter TisoUto, Carmendia. 

Garm. Whence comes thou? 

Tis. From taking Gloria to her home. 

Garm. That girl is an angel. She has such a poise, such style. 

Tis. To an* artist such rare type of beauty is bewildering and 
inspiring. 

Garm. She loves you dearly. 

Tis. My thoughts are all of her, though my mind bears a dis- 
quieting uncertainty that, at times, torments me frightfully, 

Garm. Oh you are jealous of Riverol, 

Tis. Indeed, I am. 

Garm. I have heard very nice things about him. 

Tis. What have you heard? 



Carm. It seems that he is behaving like a blackguard, getting 
drunk and contracting heavy debts. 

Tis. I never heard that before. ^ 

Carm. He can't deny it, I knowr it. 

Tis. But he will not admit it. 

Carm. He is not your rival. The passion of a sublime and 
beautiful love comes but once to mortals. It is lighten- 
ing. A heart once touched by it, becomes such a vv^aste 
that no other sentiments can take root, not even dreams. 

Tis. The sentiment of the sublime differs from that of the 
beautiful. The one pleases and delights, the other over- 
awes and elevates. Whatever tends to carry away the 
mind into the infinite raises that idea and feeling called 
the sublime. Whatever pleases and delights with its 
essence of truth is called beautiful. 

Carm. The feeling of sublimity is that which fills the mind's 
imagining power, suggesting something greater and higher. 
Thus, astronomy stirs up our emotions because it carries 
the mind into the immeasurable depths of space. Geology 
exalts the mind by the long vistas opened of ages of 
which we can't detect the beginning. Gloria loves you 
without respite; she is beautiful, her love for you is 
sublime. 

Tis. What a bliss to live enveloped in such intense unwavering 
affection. 

Carm. She loves you madly. You are the man she thinks of. 
She does not know if another man exists. 

Tia. T here is no denying the fact, only women know how to love. 

Enter Dolores 

Dol. (After the greetings) Have you heard the news? 

Carm. You speak about the national ball? 

Dol. No, I mean rumors of grave note. 

Tis. Upon what subject, pray. 

Dol. I am just from the President's office. 

Carm. Then it must be rumors of military nature? 

Tis. On my way down I saw Huerta and Riverol rushing to- 
wards the Palace. 

Dol. News from military channels are that General Diaz has 
surrendered at Vera Cruz and Villa chased into the 
Maltrata mountains. 



Tis. Then, peace will follow? 

Carm. Any torturous punishment known to the evil mind will 

be too light for those bandits. 
Tis. How does the President look upon the accomplishment? 
Dol. He is jubilant, though news has reached him that Reyes 

has crossed the Rio Grande and intends to lead a revolt 

against the capital. 
Garm. Reyes in Mexico, Leading a revolt? I thought the old 

Cientifico was in Europe consoling his distressed comrade 

Porfirio. 
7 is. His prestige is all consumed; he will advance as far only 

as the next federal jail where he will be graciously lodged 

for the rest of his days. 
Carm. What disposition have they made of Diaz. 
Dol. Orders were issued to transfer him to the penitentiary of 

Santa Ulua to be tried by court martial. 
Carm. He will be shot as a traitor, 
Tis. His trial will settle his account. 
Dol. I fear his numerous friends will help him in his present 

plight. 
Tis. I hope the blessing of peace has come. 
Carm. There's no fear of further disturbances. (Exeunt) 

Scene III. A Tavern. 
Enter Dolores — Riverol 

(The stage will present a Cafe with tables, chairs, 
waiters serving liquor, coffee, etc.) 

Dol. It is the rare weather of May, the wind playfully chases 
coats and snatches hats down the street, yet the air is 
balmy, its soft touch lightens the heart Vith vague happi- 
ness. 

Riv. Oh, well, that's just a long roundabout way of saying 
that it is a charming day in spring time. 

Dol. The atmosphere is charged with life, beauty and joy. 

Riv. Yes, the feast of the flowers comes to heal the wounds 
in the hearts of a suffering people. 

Dol. When we reflect the basic strength of our people we must 
be confirmed pessimists or sheer ingrates if we fail to thrill 
to the spirit of this festivity. 



Riv. At no time in our favored past have we had greater reasons 
to thank fate for escaping the annoyances that arise from 
the vexing uncertainty of shifting revolutions. 

Enter Huerta — Mondragon 

(Huerta and Mondrflgon take seats at the table of 
Dolores and Rlverol. After greetings, drinks are or- 
dered for all four.) 

Riv. (Raising his glass) Here is to General Huerta, whose 
military glory shines like the polar star. 

Dol. And here is to General Mondragon, a genius in the art 
of artillery. Had he been at Leipsic in 1814 Napoleon 
would have not lost the battle of Laon and Blucher would 
have been sent to his Prussian home in disgrace. 

Riv. These are thriving times-thrift is blessing. He is blest 
who so ably guides our ship of state. 

Mond. His was a venture, a thing not in his power to bring to 
pass, but swayed by the hand of heaven was he chosen. 
Now is^ he master of our destinies. 
.Riv. Thirty years of cruel tyranny came to naught under his 
revolutionary blow and from Porfirio Diaz the crown 
fell in disgrace and buried itself in the land of slush. 

Dol. Though a true gentleman, yet he is not shaped to rule. 

Riv. Remember that before his colossal advance all Myrmidons 
disappeared as if the earth had given way under them. 

Dol. Yet, rumors are that men better trained in the military 
art ought to be in high command. 

Riv. Evil souls producing holy mandataries are like a villian 
with a smiling cheek ; like a fresh apple with a rotten heart 

Hrta. What means this shouting that deafens all senses 

Dol. The vulgar on the street acclaiming the "Pact de Quez- 
altenango". 

Riv. The Mexican people give vent to their demonstrations of 
gratitude and receive the hero of Torreon in triumph, 
with flowers, with beautiful diadems. 

Mond. He soars above the view of ordinary men, bent in keep- 
ing us in servile fearfulness, while the great Huerta, in 
his hidden worthiness, sleeps in the glory of his noble 
ancestors. 

Hrta. Be not deceived for I shall not be tempted, though, indeed, 
I would not have it so. 



Mond. Am I to think that you are indifferent to the call of the 

people for some one suitable? 
Hrta. Perhaps so for I love him well. 
Mond. That virtue is in you. I cannot tell w^hat you and 

others think, as for myself I was born free, so were you. 
Hrta. I understand you not, though I perceive force in the 

tenor of your language. Perhaps on better occasion our 

words may meet and merge. 
Mond. Let's hope so. (Exeunt) 

Act II. Scene IV. A Residence. 
Enter Madera — Madame. 

The stage will present a residence, elegantly fitted, 
servants, etc. It is the residence of the President of 
the Republic. 

Mme. Though I never stood on ceremonies, yet we must believe 
in the mystery of death and its uncertain hour of visita- 
tion. 
Mad. The order of things don't seem to agree with you; the 

political atmosphere frightens you. 
Mme. I have a premonition. It is a fair warning. 
Mad. Have courage the situation will soon clear out, there 

is no reason for fears. 

Mme. My fortune teller has been with me lately and in the 

mystery of her works she warns me of another impending 

war. She showed me in her glass of visions ranks and 

' squadrons marching to the battlefield, then you were 

brought out of the battle mortally wounded by a friend 

and there I could see your pallid face bathed in blood. 

Mad. The things that threaten me are easily overcome; they 

appear from behind but soon vanish in my face. 
Mme. Yet I feel as if I were possessed of something inexplic- 
able; a self nostalgia germinates at the bottom of rny heart 
which foretells of a dark presentiment. 
Mad. It is all a mere reaction of your nerves. You must 
protect your health from the raw mist of the early 
morning and prevent a disagreeable spell of cold. 
Mme. I would gladly retire to my room on condition that 
you do not go forth on this gloomy day, rather would I 
remain by your side and watch over you, my dear. 



Mad. (Kissing her) You are the greatest woman of this age. 
I pray God I may live to honor in the highest sense 
your love and kindness. 

Enter Tisolito 

Tis. (Bowing reverently) I greet both, the first lady and the 
first citizen of our country. (Madame bows in answer 
to the greetings) . 

Mad. Thanks, what news do you bring? 

Tis. The times don't agree. The people have lost their gaiety 
and now they walk upon the streets as if in fear, as if 
in expectation. They talk low, leaving the observer in 
doubt. Your name. Sir, is reverently mentioned where- 
ever one goes. 

Mad. That's only the after-math of the festivities just gone by. 

Mme. The beginning of every feast is always full of mirth, 
though the end is absorving and lacking in merriment. 

Enter Officers 

Offr. (Standing before Madero) Sire! The trial of General 
Diaz is announced and your presence is desired by the 
tribunal. 

Mad. I shall appear instantly. 

Offr. Your orders shall be obeyed. (Officer salutes and 
leaves) . 

Mad. (Taking his hat) Oh heart let's predict that in this 
affair thou wilst take no part. 

Mrre. (Running to Madero) O, dear, I pray you shall not 
stir out of this house to day. Let Tisolito appear in 
your stead. 

Mad. I shall go forth. The tribunal waits my appearance. 
Tisolito will remain and appease your unfounded fear. 

Tis. A great pleasure, indeed. 

Mad. The things that God disposes are beyond the power of 
men. If it be the will of God, your fears will not ex- 
tinguish the danger. Cling to ci-feirage, all the miscon- 
ceived emotions in your mind shall be put away forever; 
confidence will follow doubt. (Exeunt) 



5cene V. A Court Martial 
Enter Madero, Huerla, Diaz, Prosecutor, The Court. 

Before the court General Diaz wears the garb of 
general of the Mexico Army. The prosecutor and four 
generals will constitute the court-martial. Madero 
sits near Huerta. 

The Crt. (Addressing Madero) Mr. President, your kind atten- 
tion that you may hear the decision of this tribunal in the 
matter of the rebel Felix Diaz who recently pronounced 
himself in arms against the contituticnal government so- 
wisely represented by your honorable self. 

Mad. I hear, the court may proceed. 

The Crt. Considering the popular indignation caused by the 
uprising of Felix Diaz in the province of Vera Cruz of 
such magnitude as to render the envious general a deplor- 
able shame to the noble Aztec race; considering that in 
his appetite for power he shed the blood of soldiers loyal 
to the country; considering, further, that a vinculum of 
the exiled Porfirio Diaz will forever constitute a scuff in 
the history of Mexico; be it decreed: that this august 
tribunal inspired solely by its serene rectitude and obey- 
ing only to the high spirit of law and justice, finds 
Felix Diaz guilty of high treason and condemns him to 
suffer capital punishment, death without mercy. 

Pros. Illustrious comrades the accused has been righteously 
condemned for his offenses. 

The Crt. May the mercy of heaven give him strength to discard 
his sentiments. 

Diaz. Gentlemen, behold my deplorable state of nervousness. 
, I hardly know what to say under this predicament. 

Pros. 1 rembling is a characteristic of every coward. 

Diaz. (Addressing Madero) Pious Sir, my death is certain; 
It seems to reflect in the glare of this burning day. 

Mad. I shall not be the sexton to dig your miserable grave. 
I shall not baiter my grand progeny for so odious an 
undertaking. To mark you as a traitor my contumely 
suffices. Yesterday I saved the unworthy life of Reyes 
today I pardon you in the same manner. Go, may God 
aid you to better purposes. 



The Crt. (To Madero) Noble sir, be not lenient thus. The 
existence of this miscreant constitutes a menace to the 
tranquility of the nation. 

Mad. That has not escaped me. He is a typical chip off the 
old block, I well know his stock. 

Hrta Sir, beware of this serpent. 

Mad. I do not fear, so long as I have near me your strong 
arm, rebellions are mere dreams, illusions of ephemeral 
duration. Your loyalty is my watchful guardian. Upon 
your noble sword rests the traditional grandness of Mexico. 

Hria. I graciously thank you in the name of the Federal Em- 
blem; that glorious standard, symbolical representation 
of the Mexican people. 

(Madero, Huerta shake hands — Curtain drops) 

Scene VI. A Palace. 

Enter Madero — Tisolito 

On raising the curtain the stage will present a 
Presidential Hall elegantly decorated. Desk in center 
with teleulhone attached, Madero penamtmlates the 
room. 

Mad. I still remember when in the battle field ruffling, the 
biblical standard of justice, honor and patriotism, the 
clamorous shout for the liberation of my people was 
universally felt indeed. 

Tis. It was war without end. 

Mad. All seemed to announce a new era, a brighter future, 
but the times of convulsions have again reappeared and 
the sky of my hopes, heretofore blue and clear, has of 
a sudden turned into formidable clouds of darkness. 

Tis. These clouds now take the shape of the storm that is to 
come. 

Mad. Martyr to the principle of democracy, I now travel upon 
this political highway like unto the legend of the Wander- 
ing Jew, shouldering a monumental luggage repleted with 
sorrows and deceptions. 

Tis. By the everlasting convulsions Mexi^ has deprived you 
of elucidating your democratic energies. 



Mad. The people is an incomprehensible enigma. When it 
equrvocates an ideal for an idol it is like the f oming waves 
of turbulent sea-subject to high water. That's why out 
of my glories for redemption I see only the empty hopes 
of a frigid pole. 

Tis. It is not the end, it's only a small-sized beginning. How- 
ever, there is no reason for alarm. 

Mad. Nothing seems to worry you, I would like to know 
whether you were born that way or did you make your- 
self over. 

Tis. whatever I may be I was made to be by force of circum- 
stances. 

Mad. 1 like your disposition and the manner you dispose of 

social matters in general. 
Tis. I have always wished to keep out of the social catalogue, 

but society is an encroachment upon human happiness. 
Mad. It is, I was far better before assuming the responsibilities 

which now rest upon my shoulder, and which threaten to 

disrupt the whole social structure of the country. 

Tis. You waste your brains over matters you should not worry 
about while you look with indifference over things of 
great weight. Use more diplomacy and philosophy to 
lighten tha burden of your every day affairs. 

Mad. Dipolomacy must work out itself without the interference 
of outside influences. It is the only means of reaching 
the social strata and the lower classes with which the 
government is concerned. 

Tis. Diplomacy is the language of nations and philosophy is 
the science that gives us a clear and better understand- 
ing of life and its mysteries. Thus, physics is concerned 
with those general phenomena, action and properties of 
bodies which do not involve any substantial change; 
Chemistry investigates the difference between simple and 
compound bodies and the laws according to which these 
bodies combine and dissolve ; Astronomy deals with the 
magnitude and distance of heavenly bodies and determines 
the laws which govern their motions ; Mechanics deals 
with the general laws of motions and equilibrium; zoology 
treats of animals and botany of plants, while geology is 



concerned with the structure of the earth; Mineralogy with 
mineral and Paleontology with fossils organisms hidden 
in the bowels of the earth. 

Mad. A very intellectual narration, but you have left out the im- 
portant branches of philosophy. 

Ti&. Well, Ontology or Metaphysics, as Andronicus would 
have it, may be defined as the science of things either 
positively or negatively immaterial or that which surpass 
and excludes matters; Cosmology, on the other hand is 
the philosophical science of the material or physical world; 
psychology, of course, is the doctrine of the soul. 

Mad. Yonr stupidity is unlimited, for again you have left out 
another important one — Theology. 

Th. Ah, that brings us into the things divine. It is all a 
doctrine of knowledge and faith. We have knowledge 
of the things which are before us, but as to the existence 
of God and the spiritual life we know of them only 
through faith. 

Mad. what of the world and its origin? 

Tis. Pantheists agree that God is everything and that every- 
thing is God. Materialists insist that all beings are one 
eternal substance having within itself sufficient reason 
of its existence, and this eternal and self-existence 
substance is matter. The modern school teaches that the 
material universe was created by God for his own ex- 
ternal glory and the happiness of his creatures. The 
last theory is supported by science. 

Mad. You ought to be a senator instead of a secretary. 

Tis. Not so; my knowledge of things is limited. You see, I 
once met a cynical fellow and I took care to pick up a 
good stock of his phrases. Whenever I am attacked 
by these social intellectuals or whenever I am feeling 
blue I trot out some of them and there is the secret of 
my entire cleverness, but if you talked to me on the 
subject for five minutes longer, you would pump me dry 
absolutely and I would have to revert to my country style. 

Mad^ If you are only fibbing to set me in good humour, it is 
a pleasant moment and I have enjoyed it. 

Th. I did intend to drive away your worries, though I have 
enough public spirit to see the necessity of your doing 
something before this unrest gets beyond control. 



Mad. I am prepared. Upon the wicked ones God will rain 
fire and brimstone ; the ransomed shall remain with 
everlasting joy where sorrow and sighing does not exist. 

Tis. Then, why worry? 

Mad. When one has been disillusioned in the way I have 
been, what else is there for him to think of? 

1 is. It's enough, let's home, tomorrow will take care of itself. 

(Exeunt) 

Act HI. SceneVII. The Conspiracy. 
Enter Huerta — Mondragen 

The stage will present a secluded house surrounded 
by brick walls, bushes, etc. 

Mond. The fault is not with him, but in ourselves, that we 
move not while the country clamors for the strong arm 
of a fearless leader. Why, pray, should he shine more 
than you? Let him go with you on the batdefield and 
his will be a failure, while yours would be victory; an 
army crowned with glory. 

Hrla. You flatter me, though I deserve it not. 

Mond. His best, at his own side, have pictured him as cruel 
of eye, forbidding of countenance, a jaw of iron, a 
mouth sardonic, a tongue that lashes and stings with 
viperish hate and fury. The wise describes him as un- 
couth of speech, as threatening of gesture, as defiant in 
bearing. I describe him as rough in breeding and lack- 
ing in deportment. 

Hrla. I am listening. 

Mond. There are solemn and majestic officials slowly pacing 
in robes of state; there are wealthy residents in sleek 
limausines with their women in ermine and lace; there are 
paunchy merchants and slim clerks, stage princesses and 
acclaimed actresses, a glittering prima donna brought 
direct from Spain and a throng of well fed hoi polloi 
ready to do his bidding. 

Hrla. Go on; go on. 



Mond. In all this profligacy of magnificence, among all these 
resplendent citizens there is one who pales the others as 
the great setting sun pales the rising moon into nothiness. 
This one regal personage is none other than his excellency 
the chief of the nation. In manners he is not your 
superior, though in ignorance you are not his equal. 

Hrla. I have your love. You are moving me to that 
of which I have thought often times. 

Mond. I am only happy if my weak words have brought out 
that much fire from you. 

Hrla. The country has suffered enough. With love I entreat 
you to desist until such a time as better manifestations 
are shown. 

Mond. There are no better manifestations. Dolores informs 
me that Riverol is with us. Reyes is agreed. The 
army will follow you instantly. I shall answer on the 
block for failures. Lead ! Command ! ! We are ready 
to obey. 

Hrta. You over power me. 

Mond. Awake your senses that you may bettter understand. 

Hrla. (After a moment of pause) Mexico will be saved from 
further despotism. Fetch Reyes, Riverol and the others 
I will have word with them; together we shall chase the 
evil spirits that beset our national capital. 

Mend. (Aside) Ye Gods, the world moves! (Addressing 
Huerta) I will summon them to appear. But, look you, 
here comes Reyes, he knows this haunt well and soon 
will stand before you. 

Enter Reyes 

Ryes. The peace of God be with you. 
Hrla. Good will to you, my dear General. 
Ryes. The bright lines in the silvery moon, noticed from afar, 

seem to announce a glorious night. 
Mond. They announce the concordance of thoughts in the mind 

of men of destiny. 
Hrta. They will in no distant future tell us in glad fashion 

what has proceeded worthy of note from this night. 
Ryes. I miss Riverol. His absence denotes a significant 
symptom which we cannot ignore. 



Mond. I hear the sound of steps, (Looking into the space 
through a half opened window) It is Riverol, he is arrived. 

Enter Riverol 

Riv. In the name of everything that is grand, I greet you. 

Mond. In the name of everything that is high we welcome you. 

R^es. Gentlemen, be seated. 

Riv. Silence. Ho-Huerta speaks. 

Hrta. Riverol, your cousin, Tisolito, who guards the desks at 
the palace must die, also Suarez. Both serve Madero 
in his false doctrines, therefore, mark them well. 

Riv. On condition that Diaz meets a similar fate. 

Mond. I like it not! It is well we think of liberating Diaz 
from his cell at Santa Ulua. His strong arm will be 
on our side. 

R^es. Together with the rich purse of his uncle Porfirio. 

Hrta. Well said. Diaz will gain freedom on the dawn of day, 

Riv. So be it; it is dotted. 

R^es. Madero into exile will go. 

Hrta. Destiny shall be the master of his fate. 
1 Mond. Gentlemen, the clock strikes twelve times. 
1 R])es. It is done. Upon the early morrow, Huerta will attack 
from the Ciudadela, Mondragon will take the environs 
of Tacuba and Tacubaya, while Riverol will pace the 
streets and avenues with an eye single to the movement 
of things. 

Riv. (To Reyes) And you, my venerable General? 

Ryes. I with Diaz will invade the markets and open places 
and from the galleries will denounce Madero's nepotism 
and proclaim aloud freedom and liberty. 

Mond. And the enfranchisement of the people. 

Riv. To which end we bind ourselves in oath. 

Mond. Our military honor suffices. (Exeunt) 

Scene VUI. The same Palace. 
Enter Madero — Tisolito. 

Mad. Here will I stand till news come this way. 
Tis. May God defend our side. This shooting crips into my 
nerves. It seems the people are celebrating their doom. 



Mad. Go fetch the news, the people will be attended to later. 

Tis. Military restriction do not belong to this age. A cock 
fight, a bull in the arena and a game of poker are things 
to be desired with preference to a shower of lead in a 
dark night. I well know my people. 

Mad. Stay not to irritate me, I shall have the news. I would 
have you go to the Senate and return here at once. 

Tis. I leave at your command, trusting that upon my return 
no harm has been intended towards you. (Exit Tisolito) 

Mad. To Huerta. (Tel. Rings) Hello! Hello!! Perfectly 
well, Order a reserve against the environs of Tacuba 
and Tacubaya. This position is lost? Take a batallion 
to the infested area and give battle to Mondragon. You 
say he is entrenched and that Chapultepec is im- 
pervious? Where is your military prestige and the bold- 
ness so often related to me? (Hangs receiver) 

Re-enter Tisolito 

1 IS. Gen. Diaz is upon the streets, my own eyes are witnesses, 
soldiers rush to and fro, men seek shelter, Reyes was shot 
dead on Juarez street, the Senate is empty and no reports 
are forth-coming. I was in haste pursued by brigands 
with knives in hand, scaping only when I jumped the 
ramparts of Paseo de las Flores. Take heed, they are 
coming this way. 

Mad. The good wind of fate with these traitors do contrive 
quick, guard the entrance and report their approach. 

Tis. The report of my gum will be the signal. (Exit Tisolito) 

Mad. In honor to the truth, the blame of this dreadful tragedy 
rests with my tender heart. I have ruled the Mexican 
people with kindness, forgetting that the -social condition 
of this country requires a stern hand to sustain the glorious 
aegis of peace. Huerta was right when in a moment of 
paroxysm warned me against these serpents. 

(The report of a connon is heard near 
the palace) . 
I hear the raging battle with its odious task of destruction, 
with its endless chain of misery. The lamentable heca- 
tomb of the God of deveastation is tthe factor in this 
disastrous drama. 

(A 'bonibaihdinent is heard in the distance). 



■'., Ihe sounding detonation of that tiger of war seems to 

^ announce my victory over the Ciudadela. This titanic 

: struggle between Mondragon and myself has lasted nine 

days but, now, with the shame of his tumbling routing 

he will capitulate in despair. 

Enter Suarez, Garmcndia ! ' ' '"' '] 

Srez. Treason ! Treason ! ! It is Treason. ^ 

Mad. What is the meaning of all this ? Speak ! 
Carm. It is nefarious, ignominious, the most stupendous act of 
treachery. Their action has no precedent in the annals 
of the history of this nation. 
Mad. But who is the traitor? 
Srez. Huerta has turned his sword against you. 
Mad. Be not deceived. Huerta is a man with two clever 
eyes which gaze forth with imdeceiving move. He is a 
gentleman. 
Carm. Diaz has joined in the fight against your government. 
Srez. Huerta., Diaz and Mondragon, beware! There is but 
one mind in them and it is bent against thee. If you 
\ are a mortal look about; security gives way to cojaspiracy. 

\\Carm. Gratitude is a rare gift, the public is. best at forgetting. 
Mlad. Men are flesh and blood and apprehensive, but I cannot 

doubt Huerta's loyalty. 
Srez. At this time you are deserted. Your enemies have hoisted 

the war flag — a dark future is to follow. 
Mad. What! Rapine, crime; never. Justice is not alone, 

\ it will be assisted by the strength of my arms. 
Carm. (Drawing his pistol) And by the bullets in this revolver. 
Mad. Silence, I hear noise. It is Tisolito calling for help. 
To his assistance. 

(They attempt to rush out) 



Enter Riverol, Soldiers. 
Rtv. (Commanding Madero and the others to stop) Halt! 

Another move will be futile. Surrender in the name of 

the Ciudadela. 
M{ad. How darest thou invade the portals of this sanctum 

Your name, Sir, quick. 



Riv. I am here in the name of liberty, freedom and the en- 
franchisement of the people. My name is Riverol. 

Mad. (Indignantly) Ah, a former defender. Ingrate, clear 
the way at my command. 

Riv In the name of the law I arrest Francisco Madero. 

Carm. (Firing his pistol) In this way I reward a coward. 
(Riverol expires, soldiers place Madero under arrest 
Garmendia escapes, Tisolito hides himself.) 

Enter Huerta 

Mad. (On seeing Huerta) Ha. Endurate criminal — Away, 
away marked traitor — away. 

Hrta. You are under arrest, therefore brood not if you ap- 
preciate your position. 

Mad. Assassin, my only redress at this time (spitting in 
Huera's face) is to discharge my sentiments in your dis- 
honoraole face. 

Hrta. (To soldiers) Kill! Slay — Ultimate them. Be done 
with them. 

(Soldiers inflict upon them a shower of blows with 
but-end of their carabines, Madero and Suarez run a. 
distance and are agaia attacked.) 

Srez. Murderers. Traitors. Cowards. 
'Mad. Help! Help!! 

(The report of a fusillade is heard, the victims are no 
more.) 

Tis. (Carrying the body of Madero) Oh, land of Juarez, 
thou hast lost the breed of noble blood. We are under- 
lings of an age without conscience. 

(Placing the body on the floor) 
Noble ruler of modern Mexico, here you lie after serving 
democracy with unsAvering zeal. He who gave his 
people counsel in all matters of pubic life and had to do 
vsnth many men in all social strata by all of whom he 
was revered and esteemed. 

(Leaning over the body) 
In the daily affairs his great ability, his skill, statecraft, 
and shrewed .knowledge of mankind shone forth most 
brilliant. 

(Imploring heaven) 



Here you lie, fearful evidence of what men will do to 
men under the lash of prejudic and hate, harvested 
upon the bloody fields of battle. He was so tender, 
so grateful. May his soul rest in peace. 

(Curtain drops) 

Scene IX. A Meeting. 

Enter Gloria, Tisolito 

(Tllie stage will present an ordinary residence, fac- 
ing a street-O 
Clo. I am just arrived in the middle of the cruel happenings 

of the past two weeks. My love for you brings me here. 
Tis. 1 don't pretend to understand, but I imagin that in a 

moment of reckless bravado you have come to a city where 

everything threatens our complete extermination. I have 

very serious news for you. 
Clo. I know it all it's an awful thing to think of, but what 

concerns me at this moment is your immediate safety. 
Tis. That is exceptionally good of you considering the dangers 

you have been through. 
Clo. What is to be done (a moment's silence) men have lost 

their moral sense. 
Tis. Our duty is plain. • 

Clo. Yes, there is a duty to our profession. Ours is a fine 

calling — revenge — on the good faith of those loyal to 

his memory, a great deal hangs. 
Tis. (After a pause) We can't tell what the result of this 

collapse will be. 
Clo. (Unflinching) At any rate, what end is served, by your 

staying in this city of tormoil, where we are no longer 

sure of our safety. 
Tis. We must avenge our blood and save our honor. 
Clo. Better go! There is war in North Mexico and Gar- 

mendia is on his way to join it. 
Tis. (With a smile) good old Garmendia, he is a man. 
Clo. The truth we shall carry towards the north where Carranza 

prepares to avenge this dastardly crime. 
Tis. Yes, the news we will spread on both sides of the road. 

You keep to the right, I shall to the left, and at each 

station our circulars will announce to the people in what 

manner Huerta and the others ultimated their idol. 



Clo. We must not in our daily attires go forth, recognition may 
give away our plan and thus aid our enemies. 

Tis. We will disguise as common peons in hunt for honest work, 
and know each other not, except on occasion when the 
keen eye of the spy is not upon us. 
(A rap, two raps, Gloria answers the door.) 

Enter Inspector. 

Insptr. Well, Madam, it's no use disguising. We have heard 
your conversation. I am exceedingly sorry, but I have a 
warrant for the arrest of Mr. Tisolito. 

Clo. (Recognizing in the new inspector an old friend of the 
family) Inspector, Moncho! 

Insptr. 1 have every sympathy for you, madam; but I must 
carry out the instructions of my superiors. 

Clor. And humiliate me so? 

Insptr. I am very sorry. 

Clor. His arrest will break my heart, it will ruin my life 
forever. 

Insptr. The law is the law.. 

Clor. (Imploringly) It's two lives — two whole lives! It is 
such a minor thing for you ; no body will ever know. 
His .arreet means immediate execution. It means the 
continuation of a tragedy which pales into nothingness 
the slaughter of The Innocents by King Herod, the 
Crucifixion of our Lord, the persecution of the early 
christians under the Roman Empire, the atrocities of St. 
Bartholomew's night in France and the holocaust of the 
inquisition in Spain; it means a revival of the countless 
outrages that men have wreaked on each other in all past 
ages. Oh please let him go, won't you? 

Insptr. Madam, you must know my duty. 

Clor. But I beseech you. Hold me in his stead, throw me 
in jail, plunge me into a dongeon and let him go. Do 
this, only this, and may the God of my fathers reward 
you with all the greatness of this life. 

Insptr. No, no, don't try to swerve me from my duties. I am 
sorry for you but don't try it, please don't. 

Clor. O, God, have mercy. Since the very beginning of time 
women have been begging and imploring for those dear 
to them, while men turn a deaf ear to their pleadings. 



Tis. (Addressing the inspector) Coward! Many times we 
saved your life from the ravages of the old regime. 
(Shoots the inspector) Ungrateful, the pleadings of 
a helpless woman are not to be thus ignored. (Inspector 
falls and dies). 

Clor. God! What have you done? 

ris. (Dragging her by the arm) Quick — ^To safety we 
must fly. (Exeunt — Curtain drops) 

Act IV. Scene X. A Forest. 

Enter Carmendia, Tisolito 

(The stage will present a forest surrounded by moun- 
tains, with many sioattered tents, inhabited by men of 
the revolutionary party.) 

Carm. He is dead to the world, but his memory lives in the 
spirit of the things, which are about to happen. 

Tis. With my own hands I buried him and took care to mark 
his grave so that upon return we can reverently kneel by 
the side of his remains. 

Garm. I ran as a coward would, leaving him to the grim mercy 
of his bitter enemies. 

Tis. You ran as a man of prudence would, for had you re- 
mained a second longer you woun't be a thing of this 
would to day. But come, what is our next step. 

Carm. Take the nearest at hand. The first five hundred men 
will join me before night dawns; five hundred more will 
just about start things going, maybe! 

Tis. With one thousand strong we can join forces with Car- 
ranza and engage the enemy. 

Enter Gloria 

Glo. (Embracing Tisolito and greeting Garmendia) One 
thousand are avaible and the Chief is acquainted, from 
him I bear your military credentials. Yours (handing 
document to Garmendia) with the rank of Captain and 
yours, (handing document to Tisolito) that of First 
Lieutenant. 
Garm. (Reading his) It says here we are to march forthwith 
against the forts of Guadalajara on the southwestern 
road. 



Tis. (Reading) I must obey your command, that's all. 

Clo. Yes; the First Chief advances from the opposite side, 
expecting thus to surround the enemy and prevent escape. 

Carm. I am now able to face those cowards on level ground. 

Clo. I say to you, not one among those plunged so deeply in the 
bloody mire of sin and degradation against our late 
Madero can be cleansed or made white. Huerta, Diaz, 
Mondragon and the others have wronged this nation; 
say to them that they must answer for their sins; the laws 
of our constitution will be reflected in our daily acts 
and attitude. 

Tis. (To Gloria) You are a dear, (Kisses her). 

Carm She understands well. 

Clo. Let your emotions carry you to the right decision and 
bring to account the guilty ones. To every thinking 
Mexican the sun rises and sets on this revolution. 

7"[5. We are moved by emotions and by a display of overawing 
sentiment. 

Clo. Duty to ourselves is great, but duty to our mother country 
is far greater. 

Carm. It is thus we are moved by the howl of this political 
tempest and the raging of this sea of blood, both pro- 
ducing a terrible havoc. As the roar of the waterfall, 
the crash of the avalanche, the prolonged growl of 
thunder, and the sudden shaking of the ground as the 
result of an earthquake fill our minds in our endeavor 
to realize them, so our present mission leads to the 
apprehension of a well defined effect that is to follow. 

Clo. To arms! There is no time to waste. 

Tis. The echo answers: To arms-! (Exeunt) 

Scene XI. War and Clory. 
Enter Carranza, Cloria, Officers, Rebels 

The stage -will present a camp provided with pieces of 
artillery tents, military wagons, etc., etc. Carranza 
and his staff. The rebels will wear field-dresses 
and mexican sombreros, revolvers, knives, etc. 

Carnza. (Reading his manifesto to his followers) My 
countrymen ; we gather here tonight like the clans of old 
to deliberate upon the future of our native land, vvhich 



has been precipitated into a critical position by the 
Brutus and Cassius, whose souls have reincarnated in the 
person of Huerta and Mondragon. 
The watchful eye of the powerful nations are upon us, 
anxiously awainting our strenuous protestation in behalf 
of the right of free men. The inquisitorial yoke of 
Europe was never shaped to fit us; the imperial crown 
of Maximilian met with defeat at the hands of our noble 
ancestors. (Applause and hurrahs) 

Clo. We are strong and the time is ripe. This is our protest 
in order that our brothers of the civilized nations may 
the better judge the phalanx of delinquents who sealed 
their ignominious crime with the innocent blood of our 
Madero. (More applause and hurrahs) 

Carnza. Huerta is a man of the savage type, who, like the 
Greeks of Troy took advantage of the darkness to plunge 
his sword into the heart of noble Madero; now he be- 
strides narrow Mexico and like a hungry African tiger 
devours his victims at pleasured 
Clo. (Interrupting again) Justice will triumph and those 
degenerated desperados will meet their dondign punish- 
ment in time. Let's have confidence in ourselves, our 
success is a reality. 
Rebls. On to Mexico! 

Garnza. As the legitimate representatives of our constitutional 
ideals it devolves upon us to bring into effect this 
patriotic movement, not only by the approval of those 
who from distant countries are watching us but by hoist- 
ing our colors over the capital. Our rebellious aim 
will be consecrated in the history of nations by monu- 
mental pages of glory, because in this struggle we re- 
present law and justice while Huerta is only a symbol 
of treason and disaster. 

^ (The sound of the drum is heard) 

Fellow Mexicans give ear to the sonorous sound of 
that drum which, with the enthusiasm of the moment, 
idalls us to engage the enemy in battle. We shall 
turn the cutting edge of our sabres against the enemy 
using them effectively in destroying forever the plague 
of traitors who so consciously stain the name of our 
nation. 



Rebls. On to Mexico. Let's go 

Clo. (Pointing her finger to Carranza) Let's take oath to 

die by our great leader but never to surrender. 
Rebls. We swear by the last drop of our blood, 

(The bugle sounds in. the distance.) 
Crnza. My friends duty calls, for our principle we shall die. 
Offers. (To rebels) Fall-in. Attention! Forward march ! ! 

Batallion halt! Form the lines. Aim- Fire! 

(A general fusilade between rebels under Carranza 
and the federals under Gen. RiHibago.) 

Fdrals. (In the middle of the battle) Hurrah for Mexico. 

Rbels. (Parring the blows) Hurrah for Carranza! 

Fdrals. (Keeping up the advance) Hurrah for Huerta! 

Rbels. (Putting up double resistance) Hurrah for the Con- 
stitution ! 

Fdrals and Rebels. (In hand to hand fight) O'Lord! Help 
Help. My life is extinct. May God forgive my 
trespasses. 

(Soldiers expire) 

Scene XII. U. S. Intervention 

Enter Huerta, Gamboa. 

t'he stage will present a hall witJh three windows. 
The windows will show the caricatures of germany, 
France and England. On the interior of the hall five 
women are painted, hanging from lirabs, each one re- 
presenting, respectively: 

Porto Rico Bill Hollander 

Cuba The Platt-Amendment 

Philipines Joe Cannon 

Nicaragua Dawson Treaty 

Panama Roosevelt Coup D'Etatt 

Hrta. The public conscience has branded me as a traitor, a 

murderer, a degenerated myrmidon, a man without honor, 

a disloyal friend, but that matters not; my ambition was 

to reach this goal (pointing to the presidential chair) 

and here I am. 

Cmboa. Be what you may, your dictatorship is a established 

fact, and the Mexican nation bows to you in reverence. 



Hria. Justice and honor are traditional fables without a mean- 
ing; they are illusions of short duration. 
Cmboa. With you at the head of this government a new era 
is sounded. Our noble Rabago will soon arrive bearing 
the head of Carranza as David bore that of Golliah 
before King Saul. 

Hrta. Events of minor sequence worry me not, what preocupies 
me most at this time are (pointed to the three windows) 
these uncalled for interventions. 

Cmboa. There is nothing to fear. England is too busy with 
her political intrigues for the commercial encirclement of 
the world ; France still worries over Alsace-Lorraine, while 
Germany only dreams of her pan-germajiic expansion. 
Should they come we will meet them on the square. 

Hrla. If they come, Mexico will rise and mutiny by way of 
protestation. 

Cmboa. It all rests upon the wisdon of thy judgment. 

Enter Officers 

Ofcr. (Saluting) Your pardon. General. Outside the door 
awaits a cunning looking fellow who desires an audience 
with you. 

Hrta. Who is he What is he about? 

Ofcr. His name is John Lind : He claims to come as the 
ambassador of the United States. 

Cmboa. (To officer) What countenance does he bear? 

Ofcr. The smile that won't come out. 

Cmboa. It is a sinister smile common to these dry Yankees. 

Hrta. Let the gentleman in. 

Ofcr. (Opening the door and motioning to Lind) Come in. 

Enter Lind. 

(Lind wears the symboliaal dress of Uncle Sam and 
indignantly frowns at the three windows representing 
France, England and Germany). 

Lind. (Pointing to the windows) In this hall there is no 
room for intruders. (Then addressing Huerta), In 
the name of the grand nation I have the honor to re- 
present, I respectfully salute your excellency. 

Hrta. (To Lind) I am all attention. 



Lind. (Taking care to make himself understood). I do not 
bring intervention, I only want a diplomatic conversa- 
tion, but not in the presence of other nations. 

Hrta. (Still in doubt). Well, what is it that you desire, 
Monsieur? 

Lind. (With a smile) I don't parle Francais and Italian. 
I don't know. 

Hrta. (Insisting). But what is your mission? 

Lind. (Endeavoring further). We don't want more revolu- 
tions, but (lowering his voice) we want your abdication. 

Hrta. (Angrily) And in conclusion me to go? I shall not 
stand for mediations. 

Lind. I come in the name of humanity to save Mexico from 
perdition. 

Hrta. (Pointing to the pictures representing, Cuba, Porto 
Rico, etc.) Humanity you have mentioned? Tell me 
all about that 

Lind. (Surprised to see the spectacle). That's just the 
Monroe Law. (Then approaching the one represent- 
ing Nicaragua). This one is now good and quiet. 
It was sold to us by Chamorro, Estrada, Solorza.io 
Adolfo Diaz, and the Indian Mena. The price was 
lost in the count. 

Hrta. You have no shame. I may be assassin and traitor 
but I will not sell my country. You can go home with 
your civilization and hang your antiquated Monroe Law. 

Lind. The political significance of the Monroe Doctrine can- 
not be determined until the present chaotic conditions in 
Mexico bring interference from outside nations. 

Hrta. Mean time let's value highly the advantages that we 
possess of having been the oldest republican governments 
established in North America from the earliest periods 
of our respective declarations of independence. 

Lind. Such are the sentiments of the people I represent and 
such is their rule of conduct in their dealings with weaker 
countries. There is peace North of us; there will be 
peace south of us, even if to preserve it we must cross 
the Rio Grande. 

Hrta. Military demonstrations will be inte^reted by my people 
as an act of hostility. 



Lind. Your immediate abdication. Sir. 

Hrta. I have stood enough. You lack in propriety. Your 

impudence knows no bounds. 
Lind. (To himself). I know not what all this means, dip- 
lomacy is not my game. (Turning to Huerta). Aura 
voire. Monsieur Le General. 

(Lind is tflien escorted to liis automobile by Guards 
m attendance.) 

Re-enter Gamboa and Officers 

Gmboa. (Handing telegram to Huerta). News that the 
Americans are invading the city of Vera Cruz. 

Hrta. It is written. They will never rule Mexico. 

Ofcrs. (Handing papers to Huerta). More news that the 
students at the college of Belles Lettres are holding out 
Splendidly against the invaders, but must soon give up for 
lack of ammunition. 

Cmboa. (Raising his glass). Hurrah for General Huerta. 

Ofcrs. Hurrah for Mexico. 

Hrta. Hurrah for Latin America. 

—FINIS— 



AUTHOR OF 

TRIALS AND l RIBULATIONS. 

RISE AND FALL OF THE INVISIBLE EMPIRE. 

NEW ORLEANS REFORMED POLITICS. 






PUBLISHED BY 

The Southwestern Literary Society 

NEW ORLEANS, LA. 

COPYEIGIIT NOV. 1922 




